Kosovo is celebrating the 12th year anniversary of its declaration of independence, despite the fact that Serbia refuses to recognise it as an independent state.
The country is recognised as an independent state by 116 countries but is still struggling to become a member of several international organisations including NATO and UNESCO, due in part to Serbian lobbying. In addition to this, the fact that its visa regime is yet to be liberated results in its citizens having a tough time travelling or looking to live abroad.
Independence from Serbia was declared in 2008 following a 78-day NATO airstrike that put an end to the Kosovo war. The conflict lasted some two years and resulted in the murder of thousands of Kosovo Albanians, the wounding and rape of thousands more, and the displacement of between 1.2 million and 1.45 million citizens.
Today, Kosovo’s new Prime Minister Albin Kurti visited the grave of former President Ibrahim Rugova, the first President of Kosovo after the war. Marking his first-ever visit to the site, Kurti told the media that he appreciated the work of Rugova for the freedom of Kosovo.
Pristina’s eponymous ‘Newborn’ sign has also been repainted to honour the victims of sexual violence, not just during the Kosovo war, but in conflicts all over the world.
